Now in its 24th year, the Bristol Post Gold Star awards are proud to be celebrating the true heroes of Bristol in 2018. The awards are all about shining a light on ordinary people who have done extraordinary things, and recognising their achievements.

Headline sponsored by the Bank of Ireland, the Gold Star awards are the longest running of their kind in the South West.

Some of our winners will have raised money for charity or made a difference in their community; some will have saved lives or cared for the environment. But what they all have in common, is that they are Bristol’s unsung heroes.

Each fortnight we will announce one of the winners across the 12 categories. Then on December 11, all winners will be invited to a prestigious ceremony to honour them. Public tickets for the lunchtime event are just £24. Find out more by visiting bristolgoldstarawards.co.uk

Gold Star for Courage - Will Bennett

We are pleased to announce that our Gold Star for Courage goes to Will Bennett, whose positive outlook in the face of terrible adversity has blown away all those fortunate enough to know him.

Being in a wheelchair has not quelled Will's passion for the outdoors

Will Bennett, 26, served in Afghanistan where he survived a bomb explosion, only to be paralysed from the waist down in a tragic accident upon his return.

A freak rock fall while climbing in Avon Gorge last March severed both his safety ropes and he fell more than 50 metres. He suffered catastrophic injuries including the loss of both his lower legs and six factures to his spine.

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But after waking from several weeks in a coma, his family found that Will was as full of life as ever.

The accident has not quelled Will’s love for the outdoors and he has already set his sights on becoming a Paralympian in the future.

Will in June 2016 before his climbing accident

Will’s girlfriend, 27-year-old Lottie Cowley had only been with him for around six months before the accident. But she told us Will’s drive, determination and resolve to get better and focus on the positives has made her "fall in love with him all over again."

“Every time I see him, I am amazed at how well he has coped with it all,” she said.

"Will doesn't want anyone feeling sorry for him. He is very much alive and he wants to live his life to the fullest."

Will, Lottie and a friend in Avon Gorge

When Will learned he had won the Bristol Post Gold Star for Courage from his current Salisbury Hospital ward, he was thrilled.

“I feel really humbled and I am so grateful to be given such an award, by the city that I love, that I can’t wait to get home to,” he said.

“I’m really surprised to even be considered for this. It has put such a smile on my face and lifted my spirits sky high.”

Will in Afghanistan after he joined the army at 18

His girlfriend Lottie, who has become his biggest champion, was also surprised but pleased.

When the news settled in she said: "I am just speechless that he has been awarded this. But he so deserves some recognition for how well he has done and is still doing."

Will’s family and friends hope that he will finally return to Bristol before Christmas.

"We are hoping he can come home in the next few months, but so many things have happened that we didn’t expect,” Lottie explained.

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Will’s friends and family have set up a Just Giving page which has currently raised £26,640 from 550 supporters. Their target is £50,000 to go towards a van Will can drive and an all-terrain wheelchair to allow Will a high level of independence and the active lifestyle that means so much to him.

The full list of Bristol Gold Star categories to be announced:

Gold Star Hero

Our overall winner chosen from amongst our Gold Stars.

Gold Star for Courage

A person who has shown real courage or an act of bravery.

Gold Star Life-saver

A person who has helped save a life.

Gold Star Community Hero

A person who has made a real difference to their community or neighbourhood.

Gold Star Environmental

A person who has made a significant difference to their local environment or the environment as a whole.

Gold Star Achiever

A person who has achieved against the odds or beyond expectations.

Gold Star Volunteer

A person who has given their time to help an individual, a group, a school or their community.

Gold Star Carer

A person who looks after someone who is ill or disabled.

Gold Star Local Hero

A person who has made a significant difference to Bristol.

Gold Star Young Hero

This is awarded to a young person who has demonstrated strength of character and courage way beyond their years.

Gold Star Charity Champion

A person who has supported a charity or charities over a long period.

Gold Star 999 Hero

A member of the police, fire, ambulance or coastguard service who helped saved a life or lives or who acted bravely to protect others.